Preparedness
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Distribute spare socks across multiple bags rather than keeping them all in one place.
If one bag gets soaked, having socks in another bag prevents losing all of them.
one person who lived it
Keep gas in your car at all times if you can afford it.
To be prepared for sudden evacuation.
- Only if you can afford it.
one person who lived it
Apply Vaseline to your face in cold weather to protect against wind.
It protects from wind.
one person who lived it
Keep two sets of weather-appropriate clothes and one formal outfit in your car for unexpected travel or events.
You may get stranded or need to rush to a funeral or formal occasion.
one person who lived it
- Keep towels and an extra set of clothes in your car to handle sudden changes in weather.1
Include salt packets, sugar packs, or hard candies in your kit.
Dehydration causes body cramps when you sweat and lose salt; sugar helps too.
one person who lived it
Use a wide-mouth hydration bottle instead of a CamelBak for easier cleaning and the ability to add ice.
CamelBaks are hard to clean, water flows too slowly, and they are painful to fill.
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Use a plastic case to keep maps dry.
It keeps moisture off the maps.
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Defecate immediately in winter rather than holding it.
Your body uses heat to keep waste warm; getting rid of it helps you stay warmer.
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Carry identification in your bugout bag in case you are found unable to communicate who you are or where you came from.
To allow rescuers to identify you if you cannot speak.
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Keep a small collapsible tote bag in your backpack to carry extra items when your main bag is full.
It makes it easier to carry additional stuff around.
one person who lived it
Include a sewing kit in your wedding refresh supplies for emergency clothing repairs.
It can save damaged dresses during the event.
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Shave at night rather than in the morning to allow natural oils to protect your skin.
Shaving in the morning can result in sunburn or windburn more easily, especially in cold weather, because shaving removes natural oils.
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Keep snow removal tools inside your car rather than bringing them indoors.
This ensures you do not forget them when unexpected snow occurs after work.
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Pack a notepad and pencils for taking notes.
Hospitals often only provide blank printer paper, and pens can run dry.
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Practice essential daily tasks like showering, cooking, and dressing with your non-dominant hand.
It prepares you for the possibility of injuring your dominant arm.
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Use one knife for both utility and defense to avoid carrying extra weight.
Doubling up on separate defense items adds significant weight.
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Keep a list inside your toiletry or emergency bag to track contents and note missing items for future restocking.
It allows you to quickly verify if you have everything and remember what to add later.
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Pack electrolyte supplements like Emergen-C.
Salt, sugar, and vitamins keep you moving.
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Keep a fully packed carry-on bag ready for sudden travel or hospitalization.
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